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Man told ‘new life’ will begin after sentence
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Judge Lou D’Apolito told a man he was sentencing Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that he gets to start a new life when his prison sentence is over.
Anthony Walker, 28, was being sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree felony charges of trafficking in heroin and possession of heroin. Prosecutors agreed not to oppose a request for early release after six months if he has no behavorial problems in prison.
Walker’s attorney, Lynn Maro, told the judge that Walker’s dealing came about because he was abusing drugs himself.
When asked why he used drugs after getting treatment, Walker said a series of family calamities, including the deaths of his grandmother and two uncles, were too much to take and he used drugs to cope.
The judge said using and dealing drugs is not the way to deal with setbacks.
“We all have them [setbacks],” Judge D’Apolito said. “It’s called life. It’s not easy. But the results here are you are going away.”
The judge asked Walker what his plans are when he leaves prison. Walker said he would like to finish barber school. He said he was enrolled before but had to drop out because it was so far away.
Also, Walker said he wants to get a job but he has been having a hard time finding a good job to support himself and his two daughters because of his criminal record.
“They’d [employers] see that I have a felony from eight years ago, and they would just hold back,” Walker said.
Assistant Prosecutor Mike Yacovone said Walker was indicted after members of the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force made several controlled drug buys from him. He said Walker was selling drugs to support his own drug habit.
Yacovone said Walker has never been to prison before, which is why he agreed to not oppose judicial release.
Walker’s mother and other family members were present, and Judge D’Apolito urged them to help Walker get past his addiction. He said their help is essential not only in turning Walker’s life around, but also in providing stability for his two daughters.
The judge told Walker he wants to see a plan when he is ready for judicial release.
He said in six months, Walker could be on his way to a new beginning.
“It’s a new life. Get ready for it if we’re going to see a happy ending to this story,” Judge D’Apolito said.